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Singapore Firms Urged to Make Flexi-Work Options More Accessible to Staff

July 24, 2013

According to a report by the Straits Times, almost half of 100 organisations surveyed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that they offer flexible work options so that their employees can travel during off-peak hours. Unfortunately, less than 1 in 10 employees of these firms were aware of flexi work schemes or were allowed access to them.

Minister of State for Transport, Josephine Teo who revealed these findings early this week said that the roadblocks to adjusting travel patterns are centred on employers and more can be done to give employees more options.

Mrs Teo added that a survey of public servants conducted last year showed that 35% of respondents would like to change their current work timings, and as much as 7% preferred to start work before 7.45am.

It may seem like an innocuous topic, but FWAs have a great bearing on the happiness and productivity of Singaporeans.

Culture dictates behavior and actions, and an effort towards adjusting work culture is an effort towards creating more happiness so Singaporeans become less stressed and more inclined to set up nest,”

Analysis by Singapore company registration specialist Rikvin shows that the Early Travel program, which offers free travel on the MRT for all commuters who tap out at 16 city areas before 7.45am on weekdays, is an effort towards staggering the peak hour crowd and implementing flexi-work arrangements (FWAs) on a more macroscopic level.

FWAs has also become a talking point as the government tries to field related population issues such as work-life balance, inclusive growth and Singapore’s persistently low fertility rate. In addition, FWAs is part of the 2013 Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) package, designed to improve the standard of living of Singaporeans and encourage them to set up nest – also an effort towards improving the city state’s fertility rate.

“It may seem like an innocuous topic, but FWAs have a great bearing on the happiness and productivity of Singaporeans. Culture dictates behavior and actions, and an effort towards adjusting work culture is an effort towards creating more happiness so Singaporeans become less stressed and more inclined to set up nest,” said Ms. Christine Lim, General Manager at Rikvin.

“On another note, the progress of the program thus far brings to light that the top-down approach to this transportation-FWA issue can succeed with the participation of Singapore companies. Macro and micro level cooperation and consensus must happen in order for this program to gain traction,” she affirmed.